Criminal Justice

Associate in Applied Science Degree Program

Program Description Students who complete this program earn an Associate in Applied Science degree. The
Criminal Justice A.A.S. degree program is designed to prepare graduates to enter immediately
into a variety of criminal justice professions such as local and state law enforcement,
corrections, and private sector investigative and public safety occupations. The A.A.S.
degree program is also designed to benefit current criminal justice practitioners
seeking to enhance their knowledge, skills and abilities to better perform their respective
public or private service responsibilities and increase promotional opportunities.
The A.A.S. degree program is comprised of an increased blend of job specific criminal
justice course offerings with a reduced concentration of general and liberal arts
courses of study. This program offers an optional concentration of study in forensic
investigations through elective course selection. Students who successfully complete
the A.A.S. degree in criminal justice may also continue pursuing a baccalaureate degree;
however, transfer polices vary, and students should be aware that additional coursework
in the general and liberal arts education areas are likely to be required at a four-year
college.

Student Learning OutcomesAt the completion of the AAS in Criminal Justice Degree program a student will be
able to• Demonstrate knowledge of the history and development of the American criminal justice
system;• Demonstrate basic knowledge and an understanding of the structures and operation
of the criminal process and how each of the sub-systems operates individually and
integrate as a whole system;• Demonstrate knowledge of the different categories and classifications of laws and
their sources within the criminal justice system;• Identify major trends, basic concepts, and structures of both adult and juvenile
corrections;• Contrast a variety of perspectives on the critical relationship between the community
and its protectors;• Examine issues and strategies that will strengthen the relationship between citizens’
and public service professionals;• Identify differing cultural perspectives on common issues facing community and public
service professionals;• Describe fundamental constitutional dimensions and be able to apply knowledge of
the authority and limitations of criminal justice practitioners;• Evaluate scientific and legal principles and procedures for identifying, gathering,
examining, preserving, and presenting forensic evidence at various phases during the
investigative process.

Employment Potential Graduates of the program will be qualified to begin their careers in entry level positions
in law enforcement and many other criminal justice professions.

SUNY Ulster's Criminal Justice graduates are currently pursuing careers with the Secret
Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Customs, Border Patrol, New York State
Police, New York Department of Corrections Services, New York State University Police,
New York /New Jersey Port Authority Police, Ulster County Sheriff's Department, Ulster
County District Attorney's Office, New York State Attorney General's Office, Ulster
County Probation Department, and various local police departments, including New York
City.

Requirements for Program Entry

High School diploma or equivalent

Satisfactory placement in Entering Student Assessment

Developmental Assistance AvailableFor students who do not meet basic reading and math requirements, or who have other
learning issues, extra assistance is readily available through SUNY Ulster's Learning
Center, Patrik Math Center, the Writing Center, the Peer and Friend Tutor Program,
and English as a Second Language (ESL) tutors.